One thing I was not exactly prepared for was the timing of autumn in Alaska. I knew that it was supposed to be chilly and wet for our trip, but extrapolating that to what that means for our travelers hit me upon my return. Whereas in the contiguous US, autumn starts mid-September or beginning of October (depending on your latitude), in Alaska, autumn can often start at the end of August (or the middle of August in our case).
Hiking in the rain at Hatcher Pass (Kassandra Magruder)
Thus, all of our pictures wearing cold weather gear! So, if you are looking for more predictable weather in Alaska, aim for July or early August, or just give up altogether.
Alaska is a land of extremes and it surprised me in a lot of ways. Besides the weather, I was most surprised about the extend of swamp that the inland is comprised of. I can't imagine having to traipse across the land without roads. The only tree able to grow in the excessive moisture was the poor Black Spruce -- all of 5 feet in some areas.
Maybe that's part of what makes Alaska so special. So much of it is extreme --- massive mountains, stunted trees growing in vast swamps, extensive glaciers --- and that extremeness probably keeps most people away except for a few months a year. We'll be back - but we may pack more clothes next time!
Playing at the campground in Matanuska (Kassandra Magruder)
Mary has kept in regular contact and prepared me for everything so far
Michael Sinner
1 month ago
Very prompt responses. Erin found us the trip we were looking for and gave us good advice.
Nancy Brown-Koeller
1 month ago
I don’t have the words to describe it but the last week has been one of the best I can remember. 6 days of adventure in South East Alaska including trekking through lush rain forest, sitting in silence listening to glaciers calving, up early to see the northern lights, kayaking and stupidly swimming in iceberg frozen waters ! (That actually hurt).
Animal sightings including black and brown bears, Minke and hundreds of Humpack Whales, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, harbour seals, bald eagles, salmon and more birds than I can count. Wonderful friends and connections made. A huge shout out to Trevor and his totally amazing crew on the Admiralty Dream whose energy and enthusiasm made this most incredible experience.
DAVID JAMES
2 months ago
From the initial booking all the way through the trip, this was by far our favorite trip. Small boat travel is the only way to see a location. The excursions were so much more than I could explain. The locations were remote and awesome.
Lori I
2 months ago
Personal, knowledgeable service. We felt so informed and supported before our trip. Highly recommend and would use again.
